Press Releases

Bingo with Margaret Ladd at Hamburger Mary’s
Date: July 22, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Hamburger Mary’s: at Sweetzer Street and next to the City of West Hollywood City Hall
Address: 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard , West Hollywood
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: Downtown LA
Admission: There is a Suggested Donation of $20 per person for Bingo cards.
Food Services: Hamburger Mary’s is a popular eatery in the City of West Hollywood. Come have a bite to eat and play Bingo. Bring the whole family! There is a Suggested Donation of $20 per person for Bingo cards. Val
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access,
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Bingo with Margaret Ladd at Hamburger Mary’s Stage and screen award-winning actress, Margaret Ladd, best known her portrayal of the eccentric character of Emma Channing on television’s “Falcon Crest,” and the Founding Artistic Director of the world-renowned Imagination Workshop, will host a rollicking good time of bingo for valuable prizes and auction items. The event will benefit Media City Ballet of Los Angeles. This fund-raiser will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s located at 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Sweetzer Street and next to the City of West Hollywood City Hall); West Hollywood, CA 90046. Hamburger Mary’s is a popular eatery in the City of West Hollywood. Come have a bite to eat and play Bingo. Bring the whole family! There is a Suggested Donation of $20 per person for Bingo cards. Valet parking and street parking are available. For further information, please visit the website www.legendarybingo.com or call Hamburger Mary’s at 323.654.3800.

Tango, Tonight!
Date: May 28, 2009
Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Woody’s Cafe at Woodbury University
Address: 7500 Glenoaks Blvd. , Burbank , 91510
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Phone: (818) 972-9692
Admission: Early Bird Tickets-Before April 30, 2009 $60 per person • $110 per couple Regular Ticket Prices are: $70 per person • $130 per couple
Food Services: The New Woody’s Cafe at Woodbury University
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access,
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Media City Ballet of Los Angeles in association with
Woodbury University Presents
v Miriam Lariciv Leonardo Barrionuevo
"SuperStars of Dance" Best Couple Winners in

TANGO, TONIGHT!
An Evening of Tango with the
World’s Leading Tango Dance Masters

One Night Only!!!
Thursday, May 28, 2009 from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
The New Woody’s Café at Woodbury University
7500 Glenoaks Avenue, Burbank, CA 91510

Early Bird Tickets-Before April 30, 2009
$60 per person • $110 per couple
Regular Ticket Prices are:
$70 per person • $130 per couple

Learn to dance the Tango in a Master Class with Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo
Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Reception
• Argentinean themed cuisine dinner catered by Bon Appétit
Performance by the Dance Masters themselves
No Host Bar
Silent Auction/Raffles
Limited Seating • Reservations due by May 14, 2009
Free Parking • Evening Attire
For more information call 818.972.9692

The Nutcracker
Date: December 6, 2008 - December 7, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM; Shows at 2:00pm and 7:00pm each day!
Location: The Historic Alex Theater
Address: 216 North Brand Ave. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand Ave. / Wilson Ave.
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Admission: $20-$48
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access, Hearing Devices Available,
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Media City Ballet will once again present Tchaikovsky’s classic tale, The Nutcracker. Due to last year’s near sellout crowd, we’ve added an extra performance, but it is still best to buy your tickets now in order to get the best seats.
Performances will be at 2 and 7 PM on both Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale. Tickets may be purchased by calling 818-243-ALEX (2539).

Clara’s Holiday Tea Party
Date: November 23, 2008
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Descanso Gardens
Address: 1418 Descanso Drive , Flintridge , 91011
Cross Streets: Descanso Drive / Verdugo Blvd
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Gabriel Valley Area
Admission: $75 - Adults, $60 - Children 10 & under.
Kid Friendly: face painting, cookie decorating, seasonal songs, magic and dance
Food Services: Catered by Patina Catering
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Back By Popular Demand, Clara’s Holiday Tea Party, A Holiday Celebration For Children of All Ages, to be hosted by Clara, mischievous mice, toy soldiers, live toys and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all from Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky’s perennial favorite holiday ballet, The Nutcracker.
The Adult Menu will feature a delectable assortment of tea sandwiches, including: Drosselmeyer’s Delicious Roasted Vegetable with Pesto Mayonnaise on Foccacia, Fritz’s English Cucumber with Lemon Crème Fraiche, and Clara’s Curry Chicken on Marble Rye, along with Punchinella’s Assorted Pastries and Scones. There will also be a Child-friendly Menu with a Nutcracker surprise dessert. Each event attendee’s entry ticket will be entered into a raffle for a Family Four Pack of Tickets to see Media City Ballet’s 2008 production of The Nutcracker.

Clara’s Holiday Tea Party will also feature a Nutcracker Boutique and Holiday Silent Auction, along with music and characters from The Nutcracker in a live show.

Children will delight in an afternoon of face painting, cookie decorating, seasonal songs, magic and dance, including a Nutcracker Preview performed in the enchanting land of sweets! Party attendees are encouraged to dress up for high tea and will have a chance to win Clara’s crown or a Nutcracker doll. For further information, please visit the websites, www.mediacityballet.org or www.descansogardens.org.

The Soul of Armenia: The Music of Aram Katchaturian
Date: August 16, 2008
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Historic Alex Theater
Address: 216 North Brand Ave. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand Ave. / Wilson Ave.
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Phone: (818) 972-9692
Admission: $20-$48
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access,
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: ’I consider ballet a great art. Man’s life’s entire variety, richness of his moral experiences can be expressed in it. Ballet evokes love to the beautiful, and its music should be of a high quality, able to visibly narrate about the events taking place at the stage...’ - Aram Khachaturian
This program consists of excerpts from the three major ballets of famed composer Aram Khachaturian.

* Gayane - means hapiness and is a celebration of life events into which the composer has integrated folk songs and folk dance melodies.
* Masquerade - was written in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Russian revolution and is a symphonic suite in the lavish classical Russian style.
* Spartacus - is the well known tale of oppressed slaves in ancient Rome and is told in the contemporary method whereby repeated musical themes represent the characters of the drama.

These dances raised Armenian national ballet to world level, and enriched the treasure house of the world’s musical-dramatic art.

Ballet Russe Remembered
Date: April 27, 2008
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Historic Alex Theater
Address: 216 North Brand Boulevard , Glendale
Cross Streets: Brand Blvd / Wilson Ave
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Admission: $17.00-$48.00
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Media City Ballet revisits the depth and beauty of the Ballet Russe repertory with it’s daring, artistic choices, it’s gorgeous delivery and promise. Their stylized classical ballet stands apart from all other artistic forms in its ability to move an audience’s mind and heart with stories of passion, love, longing and separation through music and movement. Media City Ballet honors their legacy and wishes to share their dramatic artistry with you by dancing highlights from the Ballet Russe repertoire.
The program will include: Alexander Borodin’s "Polovtsian Dances” from Prince Igor, Carl Maria Von Weber’s Le Spectre de la Rose, "Variations" from Alexander Glazunov’s Raymonda, "Pas de Deux" from Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Shehérézade, and Jacques Offenbach’s "Can-Can" from Gaîté Parisienne, all staged by Natasha Middleton. The Maple Youth Ballet,Charles Maple, Director, will appear as a Guest Ballet Company performing George Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie, which features a windswept pattern of dancing in leaps and leg beats to waltz rhythms, with music by Mikhail Glinka and costumes by Karinska. Shawn Stevens will stage this performance of Valse–Fantaisie.

Noche de Sabor
Date: August 18, 2007
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Location: Alex Theatre
Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand / California
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: Downtown LA
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Admission: Tickets: $42, $32, $20; 10% discount available for seniors and groups.
Food Services: Drinks and light snacks available in the courtyard before the show. Great restaurants just steps away!
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access, Hearing Devices Available
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Ballet, Flamenco, Tango, and Salsa at the historic ALEX THEATRE in Glendale! Media City Ballet spices up the night with Hispanic artistry and offers up an exotic fusion of classical dance and ballet dishes fired up with the music of Minkus, Manuel De Falla, Astor Piazolla, and more! Program will include excerpts from the ballet Don Quixote, Suenos Castillianos, Tangos, and Castilla (Flamenco). Live entertainment in the courtyard preceding the show.

Men of the Ballet Russe
Date: June 9, 2007
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Champagne reception will follow the performance - $50 per guest.
Location: Wilshire Ebell Theatre
Address: 4401 W. 8th Street , Los Angeles , 90005
Cross Streets: Lucerne Blvd. / 8th Street
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: Hollywood Area
Phone: (866) 215-1026
Admission: Tickets for the performance are $35, $55 and $75 and can be purchased online at www.mediacityballet.org or by calling 866.215.1026. Tickets for the Gala Reception are an additional $50 each.
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Media City Ballet presents a tribute to “The Men of the Balle Russes”. The program honors legendary dancers, George Zoritch (Ballet Russe), Marc Platt (Ballet Russe), Victor Moreno (Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo), Paul Maure (Ballet de Monte Carlo) and Andrei Tremaine (Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo), who will all make guest appearances at this historic event. The company will also celebrate the 90th Birthday of George Zoritch. K-Mozart’s P.J. Ochlan serves as Emcee for the Black Tie affair that culminates with a gala champagne reception.
Guest Speakers will include Charles Maple, Evelyn Cisneros, and Zina Bethune. The show features the favorite selections originally danced by the honorees. Media City Ballet Company artists and guest soloists will perform Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” performed by Andrey Ivanov (Kirov Ballet) and Maria Yakshanova (Kirov Ballet); Leon Minkus’s “Don Quixote” Pas de Deux performed by Andrey Ivanov (Kirov Ballet) and Maria Yakshanova (Kirov Ballet); Rheinhold Glière’s “The Red Poppy;” Alexander Borodin’s “The Polivtsian Dances” from “Prince Igor;” and Claude Debussy’s “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune.”

The tribute will include film clips of The Men of the Ballet Russes dancing, and still photo montages with narration provided by Frederick Franklin (Ballet Russe).

The Nutcracker
December 8, 2006
8:00 PM
December 9, 2006
2:00 PM
December 10, 2006
2:00 PM
Location: Alex Theatre
Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand / California
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: Downtown LA
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Admission:
Orchestra - Adults $40, $32 / Children $34, $27
Terrace - Adults $40 / Children $34
Balcony - Adults $18 / Children $15
Student and Senior discounts available
Kid Friendly: Children can enter a draw for Claire’s crown
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access, Hearing Devices Available
Website: www.alextheatre.org/events/06_1208.html
Description:
Media City Ballet proudly presents its production of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s perennial classic ballet The Nutcracker, featuring lavish costumes, breathtaking special effects and spectacular sets. This season Media City Ballet will dance to the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Domine, performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score the production is staged and choreographed by Askar Kettebekov; Assistant Choreographer is Natasha Middleton-Kettebekov. The cast will feature former stars of Moscow, Grigorovich, and Korean National Ballets.

A mysterious toymaker gives his niece, Clara, a Nutcracker doll at a festive Christmas Eve party. Later, Clara dreams of a battle between the Mice, Nutcracker, and the Toy Soldiers. Clara helps The Nutcracker Prince conquer The Rat King and is rewarded with a journey through the land of snow and a magical celebration in the land of sweets.

For more information on Media City Ballet, please visit their Web site at www.mediacityballet.org.

Pasión de España
Date: August 19, 2006
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Alex Theatre
Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand / California
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: Downtown LA
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Admission: Indivdual Performance Reserve Seat Tickets: Orchestra - Adults $40, $32 / Children $34, $27 Terrace - Adults $40 / Children $34 Balcony - Adults $18 / Children $15
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access, Hearing Devices Available
Website: www.alextheatre.org/events/06_0819.html
Description: Pasion de Espana (Passion of Spain), a sensual program of Spanish ballet with choreography by Askar and Natasha Kettebekov, features Media City Ballet in favorite Spanish dances from Spanish-themed classical dance repertoire, including: Maurice Ravel’s Bolero, Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Leon Minkus’ Don Quixote, and the classic Tango.
Principals and Soloists include: Askar Alimbetov, Askar Kettebekov, Moses Navarro, Tyler Nelson, Oscar Reyna, Ellen Rosa, Maria del Rocio Franco Salto, and Arsen Serobian. The Corps de Ballet includes: Kara Fioretti, Kristin Gregorian, Gabrielle Palmatier, and Anne Winfree. Cast is subject to change.

Running time is approximately 2 hours with one intermission, and the performance is suitable for ages 6 and older.

Hansel and Gretel (full ballet)
May 13, 2006
4:00 PM
May 14, 2006
2:00 PM
Location: Alex Theatre
Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand / California
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: Hollywood Area
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Admission: Orchestra - Adults $40, $32 / Children $34, $27; Terrace - Adults $40 / Children $34; Balcony - Adults $18 / Children $15
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access, Hearing Devices Available
Website: www.alextheatre.com/events/06_0513.html
Description: Set to the sweeping music of composer Richard Strauss and choreographed by Natasha Middleton-Kettebekov and Askar Kettebekov, Media City Ballet’s new production of Hansel & Gretel is based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy-tale. The performances will feature eye-tantalizing sets designed by leading industry visual artists. Children and adults alike will delight in this enchanting ballet. Hungry and lost in the dark woods, Hansel and Gretel encounter creatures of the night, guardian angels and an evil witch who lives in a delectable Gingerbread House. The cast features Tyler Nelson as Hansel, April McLeod as Gretel, and Askar Kettebekov as The Witch.
Running time is approximately 2 hours with one intermission, and the performance is suitable for all ages.

Media City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker“
December 9, 2005
7:30 PM
December 10, 2005
2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
December 11, 2005
2:00 PM
Location: Alex Theatre
Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand / California
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Gabriel Valley Area
Phone: (818) 972-9692
Admission: Tickets: $38, $30, & $18 Discounts available for Groups of 15+ Please Call the Alex Theatre (818) 243 - 2539
Kid Friendly: "The Nutcracker" is a favorite with children and families
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: Natasha Middleton-Kettebekov, Artistic Director, will present a full-length classical storybook version of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s perennial favorite holiday ballet, The Nutcracker, staged and choreographed by Askar Kettebekov, featuring a large cast of professional dancers, at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale.
The ballet will be presented in two acts, staged in the tradition of the renowned Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo featuring a cast of award-winning, classically trained international dancers. It will feature costumes coordinated by Lou LaCasse (of MCB) and Anna Leiker (of Woodbury University), with sets designed by Bob Davies of Walt Disney Feature Animation and John Pomeroy of Universal Features Animation.

"The ambitious troupe has much to be proud of. The company has grit and desire to please!" – Los Angeles Times

"Best Bet!" – Daily News

"Artistic Director Natasha Middleton injects humor into this production, delighting the audience!" – Glendale News-Press

"Recommended!" – LA Weekly

"Pick-Of-The-Week!" – Entertainment Today

"Media City Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ showcases the marvelous talents of the Burbank company’s principals!" – The Burbank Leader

"An excellent production!" – LA Weekly

"A must see production!" – The Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier

Making of a Dancer
Date: April 23, 2005
Time: 2:00 PM; and 8:00pm
Location: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) : Performing Arts Center
Address: 18111 Nordhoff Street , Northridge , 91330
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Phone: (818) 972-9692
Admission: Tickets are $25.00 for General Admission, and $20.00 for Students with ID purchasing tickets at the CSUN Box Office, located in the University Student Union Courtyard on the campus. CSUN Box Office at 818-677-2488
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access
Website: www.mediacityballet.org
Description: The Media City Ballet (MCB), under the artistic direction of Natasha Middleton-Kettebekov, will present The Making of a Dancer, an intimate, behind the scenes look exploring the rigorous and disciplined life a dancer must undertake, starting from the earliest stages of classroom training, progressing through the ranks, to eventually becoming a full-fledged professional dancer. Members from both MCB’s professional company, as well as members from the company’s new Junior Company, will be presented in performances at the Performing Arts Center, California State University. The program will consist of a two acts. The first act, entitled “The Classroom,” will feature children (Levels I and II), teens (Levels III and IV) and professionals (the company). The second act, entitled, “The Company,” will consist of the following repertoire: “Le Corsaire” Pas de Deux, “Chopiniana” (“Les Sylphides”) Pas de Deux, selections from the ballet, “Carmen,” and two new works, one entitled, “Gypsies,” and the other entitled, “Blue Danube Waltz.” “Gypsies,” with choreography by Natasha Middleton-Kettbekov, is a short character ballet about gypsies at a gathering in celebration of unity, and “Blue Danube Waltz,” with choreography by Askar Kettebekov, consists of three couples, along with the Corps de Ballet, dancing to Strauss’ Viennese Waltz.

The Nutcracker
December 10, 2004
7:30 PM
December 12, 2004
2:00pm and 7:00pm
Location: Alex Theatre
Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. , Glendale , 91203
Cross Streets: Brand / California
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Gabriel Valley Area
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Admission: Tickets are $36.00, $28.00 and $18.00.
Kid Friendly: Friday, December 10th, 2004 at 7:30pm is kids night
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access
Website: mediacityballet.org
Description: To usher in the holiday season, Media City Ballet will present a full-length classical storybook verson of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The ballet will be choreographed by Andrei Tremaine, after Marius Petipa and restaged by Natasha Middleton. The ballet will be presented in two acts, featuring the most talented classically trained professional dancers in Southern California, in the traditon of the famous Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. This production will feature lavish costumes, breathtaking special effects and spectacular sets. Prior to each performance of the ballet, there will be live performances in the Alex Theatre courtyard. The Sunday, December 12th at 7:00pm performance will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Clara’s Holiday Tea Party
Date: November 14, 2004
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Pickwick Gardens: Across from the Los Angeles Equestrian Center
Address: 1001 Riverside Drive , Burbank
Cross Streets: Riverside Drive / Main Street
Directions: General Transportation Directions
Transit Directions: Use the Metro Trip Planner!
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Phone: (818) 547-9377
Admission: $30.00 per person
Kid Friendly: Craft table for kids.
Food Services: The Menu includes Clara’s tea sandwiches, fresh seasonal fruit, scones, and a Nutcracker dessert.
Website: mediacityballet.org
Description: Clara’s Holiday Tea Party will be a holiday celebration for children of all ages! Hosted by mischievous mice, toy soldiers, live toys, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all from Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky’s perennial favorite holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Children will delight in an afternoon of games, Prizes, music and dance perfromed in a magical land of sweets! Party attendees are encourage to dress up for high tea and will have a chance to win Clara’s crown or a Nutcracker doll.

Storybook Ballets
Date: September 19, 2004
Time: 2:00pm and 4:30pm
Location: Media City Ballet Company
Address: 237 East Palm Avenue , Burbank , 91504
Cross Streets: Palm Avenue / San Fernando Boulevard
Driving Directions: Get Driving Directions
Region: San Fernando Valley Area
Phone: (818) 972-9692
Admission: Admission is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 10. Seating is very limited, so early reservations are recommended. Tickets may be obtained by calling the Media Dance Centre at 818-972-9692.
Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access
Website: mediacityballet.org
Description: Company dancers from Media City Ballet Will Perform "Storybook Ballets" , featuring "Sleeping Beauty" and Sergei Prokofiev’s "Peter And The Wolf", choreographed by Natasha Middleton (of Burbank), featuring Askar Alimbetov (of San Diego) as Peter, Askar Kettebekov (of Burbank) as the Wolf, Nicole Mathis (of Santa Monica) as the Bird and Felicia Guzman (of Reseda) as Sleeping Beauty. Performances of "Storybook Ballets", Are generously sponsored by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. The program will be presented in an educational format utilizing the California Scholastic Standards for Language and the Arts, demonstrating dance as language.